This fork is not marked, but surely silver plate and probably English. The condition is excellent, with no plate missing, no bubbling or flaking, despite its (probably) 100 years. “Prince Albert,” named for Queen Victoria's consort, was introduced before 1850 and became a standard English pattern which proved popular in the United States during the coin period. The bread fork – a Victorian introduction – was meant to be passed with the bread plate. This one is 6.75 in.

Despite only a “sterling” marking, the design elements of this spoon are clearly Philadelphian. The stem is Old English with multi-field outlining, leaving an area for a monogram, JIS. The bowl is pointed with a slight flange that is described by a zigzag element, and the bowl has a geometric, aesthetic center which is both bright-cut and engraved. The condition is excellent – no bends or dents, and no wear to the surface. Lots of reflectivity! Length is 7.8 in. and weight is 42 g.

Christofle is perhaps France's most prestigious silver maker, dating from about 1840. 'Marly' is its oldest pattern, still in production. In addition to its innovative designs, Christofle also took the early lead on advancing the plating process which it had licensed from Elkington to make wares which were more heavily plated than their competitors and attractive to prestigious customers from all over the world...

Durgin's 'Bead' is a full-line pattern introduced in 1893 – a very substantial pattern having a tipt end and outlined with fine beads. This is a fine example, with long tines giving the fork a sense of elegance. Condition is excellent, and there is no monogram. Marked with the Durgin logo, its length is 4-7/8 in., and it weighs 12 grams.

Ercuis is a prestigious maker of French silverplate, established in the 1860s. 'Lauriers' is an elegant pattern reminiscent of the French Empire style. A thread outlines the handle, and an oval medallion space is created by acanthus leaves punctuating the top, with delicate branches of laurel/bay leaves and berries closing off that space. The pieces are double-struck, and a beautiful MG monogram is placed in the medallion of the reverse side...

Simple but elegant and classic, the cannon handle of the knife is topped with a finial that echoes the tip. The handle is engraved with what appear to be a sort of diapering of dart-and-egg motifs along the shaft, with a border of acanthus. The blade is also classic, with engraved foliage relieving the otherwise plain surfact...

This set of 6 stainless fish knives and forks probably dates from the early to middle part of the 20th Century. The form is Old English Tipt, a timeless pattern. Harrison Fisher has been a knife maker in Sheffield (England) for over 150 years. The set is very good quality – nicely balanced and in very good condition – I would guess they were little used. The knife is 8 in. and the fork is 6.75 in. They are marked with HF & Co...

The mark on the knives is for Saglier Freres, successor to Victor Saglier (1809-1894), a well-known Paris Art Nouveau silver maker who worked largely in plate but also solid silver. Sons Eugene and Andre continued the business until after World War II. These knives, 8-3/8” long, could be for lunch, dessert, cheese – or whatever – and probably date from about 1900-1910. The classic form is punctuated with acanthus leaves and can complement many Nouveau or simpler patterns...

This ladle is marked for Koberlin Brothers, an old silverware firm in Saxony founded in 1828, although the ladle probably dates from the first quarter of the 20th century. It is decorated simply with a single thread outlining the curving form, and with the only relief being the monogram AP. The bowl is oval, and gold-washed. It is marked with the Koberlin mark, the German Imperial marks of crescent moon and crown, and 800 fine (in contrast with 925 for sterling) for the silver content...

One outgrowth of the “Josephine” pattern is the S.D. Brower variant of this design, and it probably emerged soon after 1855. A full acanthus leaf hangs from the top of the threaded handle, and smaller leaf portions emerge to form a center medallion space, inside which is engraved the name Ball in period script. The motif is repeated on the underside, terminating in an acanthus on the bowl. Condition of form, bowl and design is very good, with no spots, dents, bends or burrs...

“Nordic” in this case could be Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lapland and Norway) or northern Germany (which belonged to Denmark at times) or even the Baltic region – the marks are not consistent with official markings of the time and would point to a region more isolated from a guardein, or silver warden...

“Bead” was perhaps introduced by John Polhemus, but it certainly was made by several others and became a 'standard pattern' in the coin period – a Pointed Antique handle outlined with beads and topped by foliage. Like many of those patterns, it crossed over into plate and was made by many manufacturers. These knives are 7.5 in...

Introduced in 1888, the D&H Louis XIV pattern incorporates rococo elements found in patterns of the same period by other major makers in the US and Europe, though more restrained in its display of gently curving tendrils and suggestions of shells. The pattern is double-struck. This dessert spoon is in excellent condition, with no dents, nicks, or bends. The finish is excellent. A script monogram of EJM is lightly inscribed on the front of the spoon. The back of the handle is marked with ...

'Marie Antoinette' was brought out by Alvin Corp. in 1890; it is reminiscent of French Napoleon III patterns, a sort of fiddle form with motifs of laurel, honeysuckle, and cones. The fork is in fine condition. A large Gothic monogram E is in the cartouche of the handle. Length is 6 inches, weight is 16 grams.

At a hair under 8.5 in., this spoon was probably a place spoon. The handle is delicately engraved to create a field containing bright-cut foliage. The maker was the Norsk Filigransfabrikk (1889-1910) whose mark is on the back, together with 13-1/2 indicating the Loth content, equivalent to 826 fine silver, or 82.6%, as a guarantee. Since the Norwegian marking system was changed in 1891 to eliminate the Loth, this spoon was made between 1889 and 1891. There is no damage to the spoon. It has ...

This ice? spoon or straining server could be used for many things – poached eggs, peas, quenelles... It was manufactured in Brussels by Orfevrerie Bruno Wiskemann (established 1869), in the 'Fiddle Thread' pattern, adaptable to many tables. It is in excellent condition – no missing plating, discoloration or heel wear, and with no monograms – wonderful condition. Marked with the old Wiskemann mark. The length is 9.5 in. long.

Improvements in the silver manufacturing process by 1870 made possible new design implementations, and Gorham probably led the field with a spate of innovative patterns, among them “Lily” (1870). It is also known as “No. 88.” The delicacy of the single die is representative of what was now possible. The youth knife and spoon were well cared for. The knife is 6.75 in., marked with the Gorham logo, the words “sterling,” “Patent 1870,” and “88.” The spoon is 5 in., marked ...

Albert Coles (1815-1885) must have attended one of the early concerts given by Jenny Lind upon her arrival in New York, where Coles worked, in 1850; his pattern is generally placed in that year. Known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” Jenny Lind won an immediate place in the hearts of Americans, not only for her voice but also for her philanthropy for which was deemed virtuous. Many places and objects were named after her. Coles' tribute in creating the double-struck Jenny Lind pattern took ...